Meet the compassionate experts behind your pet’s care.
Our team provides specialized veterinary services for urgent, complex, and advanced medical needs, combining exceptional skill with genuine dedication. We proudly support pet families and partner with referring veterinarians across Simcoe County, Georgian Bay, and surrounding communities. Together, we are committed to delivering the highest standard of care every step of the way.
Dr. Seanna Swayne
FOUNDER | DVM, DACVSSeanna graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2004, then completed a rotating internship at The Ohio State University in 2005. Over the next two years, she gained extensive experience in veterinary emergency medicine, working in both fast-paced urban practices in downtown Toronto and rural after-hours clinics across Ontario.
Her passion for surgery led her to complete a surgical internship at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic (VEC) in Toronto, followed by a 3-year surgical residency at the same institution. In 2013, Seanna achieved Board Certification with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), earning the distinguished title of Diplomate of the ACVS—the highest level of surgical training available for veterinarians worldwide.
From there, Seanna spent four years as a staff surgeon at two major referral centres in the GTA, before founding Golden Horseshoe Veterinary Surgery in 2016, a mobile surgical service that partnered with clinics to expand access to advanced procedures.
Today, as the founder of Collingwood Animal Referral & Emergency Centre, Seanna brings her nearly two decades of experience and dedication to high-quality veterinary medicine to the South Georgian Bay region. Her vision is to combine advanced diagnostics, surgery, and emergency care under one roof—ensuring pets receive the treatment they need, when they need it most.
Dr. Meg Anderson
LEAD ER VETERINARIAN • B.Sc. (Hons), DVMDr. Greg Kilburn
DVM, DACVIM (Neurology) | Board-Certified NeurologistDr. Greg Kilburn brings nearly two decades of experience in veterinary neurology and neurosurgery. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2003, followed by a 1 year small animal internship at the Atlantic Veterinary College. He then completed a 3 year residency in neurology and neurosurgery at the Veterinary Neurological Center in Las Vegas, achieving board certification with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Neurology in 2007.
Dr. Kilburn spent the next eleven years at Toronto’s Veterinary Emergency Clinic, providing neurological care in a busy referral hospital. In 2018, he moved to Toronto Animal Health Partners as Head of Neurology, a position he held until 2025. He subsequently practised at Lakeshore Animal Health Partners before joining King Animal Hospital in 2026.
His clinical work encompasses the diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment of neurological conditions, including brain and spinal disorders such as epilepsy, intervertebral disk disease and meningitis
Dr. Dominique Monaghan
B.SC., DVMDr. Dominique Monaghan graduated with honours in Zoology from the University of Guelph, where she also played varsity rugby, before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College in 2018. Originally from Markham, she spent every weekend in Collingwood ski racing and always hoped to make this community her permanent home. After a year of traveling through New Zealand in 2020, she returned to Canada and has since settled in Collingwood with her partner, Sloan, and their two dogs, Polly and Andy.
Dr. Monaghan has a special interest in surgery and emergency medicine, where she values the opportunity to provide timely, hands-on care when pets need it most. She is committed to guiding families through urgent and often stressful situations with compassion, clear communication, and a focus on each patient’s comfort. Outside the clinic, she enjoys skiing, hiking, rugby, and the gym, and loves exploring the outdoors with Polly and Andy by her side.
Dr. Tara Richards
BSc DVM DACVO PhDDr. Richards graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2004. She spent two and a half years in private practice before returning to the Ontario Veterinary College to pursue graduate and residency training. In 2010, Dr. Richards completed her ophthalmology residency and attained board certification through the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. She then went on to complete her graduate training and was awarded her PhD in biomedical sciences, with a thesis in the area of corneal research, in 2013.
Since 2010, Dr. Richards has provided veterinary ophthalmology services to small, large and exotic animals in various clinics throughout Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Newfoundland. She enjoys teaching and in 2023, she became an Adjunct professor at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island.
Dr. Richards has a keen interest in corneal pathology and dry eye and is looking forward to offering ophthalmic care to the C.A.R.E patients. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Richards enjoys volunteering at a local youth drop in centre, hiking with her family and friends, riding her horse and reading.
Dr. Julie Walter
DVM, MVSc DACVIMDr. Walter earned her DVM degree from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2011. Following that she completed a Small Animal Rotating Internship at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, PEI. She remained at the AVC for a 3-year Small Animal Internal Medicine Residency, during which she concurrently completed a Master’s of Veterinary Sciences degree.
Since completing her residency in 2015, Dr. Walter has worked as an internist in a specialty referral practice in the GTA while also operating a mobile veterinary consulting service. Dr. Walter loves working with her patients and their families and is very excited for the opportunity to bring Internal Medicine services to Collingwood and the surrounding area.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Walter enjoys the outdoors, skiing, and spending time with her family, including her husband and daughter, senior Lab (Emmett), and 2 cats (Clementine and Peach).
Chelsea Smyth
practice managerWith a degree in Biological Sciences from York University, I have dedicated my career to veterinary medicine since 2001. Starting as a veterinary assistant, I advanced to the role of veterinary technician in 2005, where I discovered my passion for surgery and orthopaedics. My extensive experience in the field has equipped me with a deep understanding of animal care and a commitment to providing the highest quality service to both pets and their owners.
As the office manager of Collingwood Animal Referral and Emergency Centre, I strive to create a welcoming environment for our clients while ensuring the smooth operation of our team. I take pride in fostering a compassionate atmosphere where both animals and their humans feel valued and cared for.
Outside of work, I enjoy an active lifestyle with my three boys, who keep me on my toes! Our family is completed by a lovable bulldog cross and a charming British Shorthair, both of whom greet me enthusiastically at the door each evening. My love for animals extends beyond my professional life, and I am grateful to share my home with such wonderful companions.
